Public Art
Wander through the neighborhood and discover tiny art happenings, large-scale murals and pops of neon color and light. From works by nationally celebrated visual artists like Esteban del Valle and HENSE, to local heroes like Carl Medley III and Hannah Kirkpatrick, to the world-renowned Chrysler Museum of Art, come see the new energy of Norfolk on display.
Art Benches
In 2016 and 2017, Governor’s School for the Arts students painted benches to provide public seating and enhance NEON’s street life. The City of Norfolk generously donated vintage benches from Town Point Park.
View Post757 Energy & Vibe
The mural’s vibrant colors reflect the current energy and vibe of Hampton Roads’ growing arts community. Jerrod Ray collaborated with WKTR News 3, a large stakeholder in the NEON District.
View PostReach
Artist Heather Bryant’s mural on Virginia Furniture’s storage container promotes universal harmony by depicting diverse characters connected by dots woven into a vibrant and interconnected pattern. Dots are scattered throughout the composition attempting to, and often, making contact. Sponsored by Virginia Furniture.
View PostThe Dance
Known for nature-inspired black and white compositions Richmond artist Amelia Langford utilized the existing yellow paint on the mural’s wall to add a warm undertone to her striking floral design.
View PostPush It Real Good
Push Comedy Theater collaborated with then Glass Wheel Studio artist Heidi Peelen to create a mural celebrating their fun aesthetic on one of the historic Auto Row storefronts on Granby Street.
View PostGreen Machine
For his second piece in the NEON, artist Hampton Boyer was inspired by his childhood love of monster trucks and the need to preserve the environment through recycling efforts and solar power.
View PostSymbiotic Nuances
Norfolk State University professor and art department director Solomon Isekeije’s work is a dynamic collision of European and African motifs drawing inspiration from Nigerian textiles, African masquerades, Cubism and Surrealism.
View PostUntitled [Glass Wheel Mural]
This 3-story mural, by internationally known painter Alex Brewer, also known as HENSE, covers the facade of Glass Wheel Studio. His style marries the quick, gestural brushstrokes of graffiti and abstract painting. He is best known for his dynamic, vivid and colorful abstract paintings and monumental wall pieces.
View PostNeoning
In 2015, local artist Joan Biddle led teams of volunteers to paint colorful accents like triangles, rugs and fences on streets and sidewalks in the NEON District as a wayfinding path for visitors.
View PostPublic Art Program
Since the birth of the NEON District, new murals and sculpture projects have multiplied, through both top down and grassroots efforts. The combination creates an inclusive, welcoming arts community with a range of talents and styles. The NEON District's public art grant program supports individual artists and property owners seeking designs.
ExploreArts Archive
A number of amazing projects have graced the walls and galleries in the NEON District over the years. Some were temporary, some faded away gracefully and some rotate out over the years. Walk down memory lane with us.
Explore